From Gaming Noob to Pro in Five Steps

We all start as noobs when it comes to new games. We need time to master the controls and learn the tricks to come out on top.

Some stay beginners, never moving past the early stages and jump between titles too fast. Others go deep and become quite adept at games by spending tons of time playing them. Not all become professional gamers, though, which is a pity for those who have the skills.

If you’re part of the latter group, and you wish to become a successful eSports personality, how do you make it possible?

Here are five simple steps for you to follow.

Step 1 – Choose a game.

Obviously, you need to pick a game first. You need to invest time and effort in a single title – with the goal of excelling in it.

Remember, huge games are like hour-eating monsters. These “monsters” do reward you in the end, though, “giving” success in both, reality and virtuality.

So, you should choose a game you like the best since you need to invest tons of hours, days, and months. If you like the game, this will be an easier process for you. So, before sticking to one game, take your time, try different genres, and make your choice properly and thoughtfully.

Step 2 – Complete all the beginner stages.

Many gamers ignore tutorials, story modes, and various offline training. This is a terrible mistake. They miss the basis and face much more skilled players from the start. As a result, they can’t succeed, they lose match after match, and their motivation becomes extinguished early on.

Better to learn the basics first and then explore and improvise as you go along.

Step 3 – Become a part of the community.

Every game has its own code: slang to communicate with other players, activities to participate in regularly, acceptable behavior, and so on.

There are no universal rules – observe how people play and interact; play it by ear. For example, create your personal style in the game community by completing unique decks in the Pokémon card game. Buy CS:GO skins for your inventory to demonstrate your personality in matchmaking. Keep specific cars in your garage to come up with your unique “handwriting” on racing roads.

To be successful in gaming is not only about numbers and statistics. It’s also about achieving the respect of other players, to make them recognize you, to like you. Buy Dota 2 items to impress teammates and opponents. Spend money on cool outfits for your appearance in videos. Communicate on Reddit, build your reputation on Twitter, and stream your games on Twitch or YouTube.

Step 4 – Follow the legends.

Most games have their own history – there are opinion leaders, super successful players, the game creators…

Follow them on social networks, watch their streams, and read their articles. You will pick up a lot to further your career, and you can even make connections that will get your name out there.

Also, check the list of the most significant events related to your game. Watch them online or even visit them in real life. You will learn lots of practical things there and experience an altogether different atmosphere.

Step 5 – Participate in any event possible.

It may be scary, stressful, and even frustrating at the start, but without this step, you will remain on the level of single-player modes and multiplayer matches “just for fun.”

It doesn’t matter how big a tournament is! Begin with something small, prove yourself as a decent player, and doors may be opened for you.

This step is necessary not only for eSports professionals but also for all the other gaming personalities. Visit conferences (like Gamescom or E3) to communicate with others, to feel the atmosphere. Participate in presentations and events organized by various game developers and gaming companies. Be social, and you will get response from the community.